PepsiCo launches canned cocktail mixers as Bacardi unveils fruit infused vodkas

US – American multinational food and beverage corporation PepsiCo, has expanded its beverage portfolio with a new non-alcoholic mini-can mixer containing real juice and no artificial sweeteners.

The new drink dubbed Neon Zebra will be available in four flavours – Margarita Mix, Strawberry Daiquiri Mix, Mojito Mix and Whiskey Sour Mix.

Its release aims to position  the maker of popular soda brands Pepsi, Mountain Dew, and Miranda, as a key player in the cocktail mixer category.

“Neon Zebra adds a new level of personality in the cocktail mixer category with its bold flavours and colours and easy-to-use, recyclable mini-can format,” said Emily Silver, VP of innovation & capabilities, PepsiCo Beverages North America.

This category has seen increased interest from beverage companies seeking to take advantage of the rising demand for ready to drink cocktails.

The global cocktail market size was worth US$86 million in 2020, and it is estimated that it will reach US$1.4 billion by 2025 with an annual development rate of 6% between 2020 and 2025, according to Market Data Forecast.

The report notes that the increase in cocktail consumption is due to rise in income and an alter in lifestyle .

Besides, availability of vegetable & botanical cocktails is likely to act as a catalyst in the growth of global cocktail business going forwad.

“With at-home cocktail consumption on the rise, we saw an opportunity to build and disrupt this fast-growing category with a product that meets consumers’ needs for convenience – to cut out time and mess without compromising on quality and taste,” Emily Silver said.

Bacardi’s new Grey Goose vodkas infused with fruit and botanicals

Meanwhile, spirits company Bacardi has introduced Grey Goose Essences, a new collection of vodkas infused with real fruit and botanical essences.

Available in the US, the new collection comes in three flavours: strawberry & lemongrass, white peach & raspberry, and watermelon & basil.

Barcardi says each expression is made with flavours derived from fruits and botanicals around the world which are then blended with cold-distilled botanicals and Grey Goose Vodka.

Essences marks the latest addition to the Grey Goose portfolio and was developed in an effort to meet demand for simple cocktails that are “brimming with vibrant flavour”.

“Spritzes and mindful drinking have been growing trends, and with consumers increasingly trying their hand at mixology, we knew there was an exciting opportunity to create a distinctive liquid that would take the guesswork out of mixing light tasting and delicious cocktails at home,” said Grey Goose VP of global marketing, Martin de Dreuille.

Grey Goose cellar master, François Thibault, added: “We captured the purest flavour in every bottle. All three Essences flavours reveal the most perfect expression of the ingredients they contain.”

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